QuickStart
User GuideF816 Rev. 0104
1551 East Eleventh StreetLoveland, Colorado 80537-5056
Customer Service DepartmentPhone: 970-667-1000 ext. 256Toll Free U.S. and Canada 800-287-0653Fax: 970-667-1032
Colorado Time Systems
Corporate Office1551 East 11th StreetLoveland, CO 80537 USA
Sales : 800-279-0111 or +1 970-667-1000
Service: 1-800-287-0653 x256 or +1 970-667-1000 x256Service Fax: 970-667-1032
Web: www.coloradotime.comShop online: http://secure.coloradotime.comEmail: [email protected]
Part Number F816, Rev. 0104©2004 Colorado Time Systems. All rights reserved.
QuickStart Manual AddendumNoticeOperation has changed slightly for entering test mode and for using the turn hand speed feature.
To enter test mode:
Best method 1. Plug an extra push button into the start system port, and plug the relay platform, touchpad and anoth-
er push button into their respective ports. 2. Hold down the push button that is plugged into the start system port while triple clicking on the push
button. The LED display will indicate that is has begun the test mode by lighting all LED segments for five seconds followed by "----" on the display.
Alternate method1. Plug all components (including the start system) into their respective ports. 2. Hold down the start button on the start system while ignoring the annoying false start tone and while
triple clicking on the push button. (If you have pressed the start button on the start system and held it down without letting go, you may get to skip the annoying false start tone.) The LED display will indicate that is has begun the test mode by lighting all LED segments for five seconds followed by "----" on the display.
To use the Turn Hand Speed Feature:
You can time your swimmers' breaststroke and butterfly turn speeds by using the QuickStart display, apush button and a touchpad. Plug the push button and touchpad into their appropriate ports on theQuickStart display. To initiate the Turn Speed mode you need to triple click the push button. TheQuickStart display will show "HS" (Hand Speed) when it is properly in the turn Speed mode.
As with previous models of the QuickStart, when in the Turn Speed mode, QuickStart captures the timebetween when a swimmer's hands touch the touchpad and when his/her feet make contact for the pushoff. The elapsed time will be displayed on the QuickStart display and exported to the PC if connected.
F876 Revised 03/03/03©2003 Colorado Time Systems 800-287-0653 970-667-1000
Table of Contents1 Introduction
Dear Customer.............................................1-1QuickStart Contents.....................................1-2Scope of this User Guide .............................1-2Contents .......................................................1-3
2 Setup/OperationSetup ............................................................2-1
Power Capabilities.............................2-1Pace Clock Mode ..............................2-1Start Reaction Mode..........................2-1Relay Exchange Mode ......................2-2Breakout Time ...................................2-2Turn Speed Mode ..............................2-2PC Interface.......................................2-2
Operation .....................................................2-3Pace Clock Option.............................2-3Training Options ...............................2-3Using the Start Reaction Feature.......2-3Backstroke Start Reaction Time ........2-4Using the Break-out Feature .............2-4Using the Relay Exchange Feature ...2-4Using the Turn Speed Feature ...........2-4Returning to Pace Clock Mode .........2-5Using the PC Logging Software........2-5Sample Log Data ...............................2-6
3 ReferenceStorage and Maintenance.............................3-1Trouble-Shooting.........................................3-1
Table of Contents i
Table of Contents ii
Introduction 1-1
Dear Customer:
IntroductionColorado Time Systems (CTS) thanks you for purchasingQuickStart, the start reaction time and relay exchange trainingtool. QuickStart is a full-featured yet easy-to-use training aidedesigned to help you help your swimmers achieve peak condi-tion and fine tune their starts, turns and relay exchanges.
QuickStart was designed with coaches and swimmers in mind.In fact, many of the United States’ finest coaches helpeddesign this product by providing CTS with valuable informa-tion concerning their training needs. Thank you to all whohave made this product possible.
Colorado Time Systems is committed to providing you withsolutions for all your sports timing needs. The addition ofQuickStart to the growing family of aquatic sports timing andtraining equipment from CTS is another example of our com-mitment to the development of competitive swimming.
1
Your QuickStart package includes the following items:
QuickStart displayQuickStart user guideAC Power adapter and cable
Accessory Items (if purchased)PC software interface and cablePush buttonRelay judging platform (RJP or RJPL)Touchpadstart system
Immediately upon receiving your QuickStart package, performthe following steps:
1) Open all boxes and remove protective packaging.
2) Inspect all parts for damage which may have occurred dur-ing shipment. Report any damage to freight carrier immediate-ly.
3) Use the enclosed Packing List to ensure you received allitems ordered. If any parts are missing, contact Colorado TimeSystems’ Customer Service Department immediately at, ext.256, 800-287-1653 toll-free (US and Canada) or 970-667-1000(international).
This user guide addresses all issues relating to the normaloperation of QuickStart. It is written with the beginning oper-ator in mind, but also contains detailed information of interestto experienced operators. Use the Table of Contents to locatespecific information quickly.
Introduction 1-2
QuickStart Contents
Scope of this User Guide
Introduction 1-3
Chapter 1 - Contains introductory and background informa-tion on the QuickStart product.
Chapter 2 - Covers setup and basic operating instructions.
Chapter 3 - This is the reference section which includes sug-gestions for storage and maintenance. It also includes a trou-ble-shooting section to answer basic product questions.
Contents
Introduction 1-4
Setup/Operation 2-1
Setup/OperationThe first part of this chapter describes how to set up yourQuickStart display. Setup is easy, but must be done correctlyto ensure proper operation. The second part of this chaptergives you step-by-step instructions for programming and run-ning the various training options.
The QuickStart display comes with an AC power adapter andcable that plugs into any standard 110v outlet. You may alsouse eight standard D-size alkaline batteries.
Setting up the QuickStart display is easy. Plug in the display toa power supply using the AC power adapter and cable. Followthese instructions for each mode of operation:
1) Pace Clock mode: To use the display as a pace clock, yousimply turn the display on using the ON/OFF switch. The paceclock will count up to 59:59 (mm:ss) and roll-over to 00:00and begin again.
2) Start Reaction mode: Toset up QuickStart to testswimmer’s start reactiontimes, you will need a pushbutton, an electronic start-ing device (like the CTSInfinty or ChampionshipStart System), and a CTSRelay Judging Platform.Plug the push button intothe Push Button port, theRJP into the Relay Platformport, and the start systeminto the Start System port.See Figure 1 for properplacement of each plug.
2
Setup
Pace Clock Mode
Start Reaction Mode
Figure 1: Detail of the banana plug ports.
Power Requirements
Relay Exchange Mode
Break-out Time Mode
Turn Speed Mode
PC Interface Option
3) Relay Exchange mode: To set up QuickStart to test relayexchanges, you will need a push button, a CTS RJP and a CTStouchpad. Plug the push button into the Push Button port, aCTS RJP into the Relay Platform port and a CTS touchpad intothe Touchpad port.
4) Break-out Times: The break-out time is the difference in thetime between when the start system sounds and when theswimmer breaks out of the water. Break-out times can be cap-tured by using the push button while testing Relay Exchangesor Reaction Times. Plug the push button, start system, CTSRJP and CTS touchpad into their appropriate ports.
5). Breastroke/Butterfly Turn Speed: QuickStart can be used totime a swimmer’s turn speed during breaststroke and butterflyturns. The turn speed is the time between when a swimmer’shands touch the wall and when his/her feet make contact topush off. Turn speed can be captured by using the QuickStartdisplay, a push button, and a CTS touchpad. Plug the push but-ton and touchpad into their appropriate ports.
6) PC Interface Option: The swimmer’s timing informationcan be exported to a PC via an RS-232 port located on theright side of the display. In addition, the software allows swim-mers’ names to be entered on the PC in a log file created ofeach swimmer’s reaction, break-out, relay exchange or turnspeed times. This information is captured in a comma-delimit-ed file format so it can easily be imported into your favoritePC spreadsheet.
To install the QuickStart PC Logging Software to your com-puter’s hard drive, insert the diskette into your A:\ or B:\ flop-py drive. From the C:\ prompt, type either A:install orB:install. The installation software will create a new C:\CTSdirectory including the QuickStart software.
To set up the QuickStart to PC interface, plug the RS-232 con-nector cable into the RS-232 connection on the side of the dis-play and into the COM port on the back of your PC. Power onthe display and PC and run the PC logging software by typingQSTART <Filename> from the C:\CTS prompt. “Filename”is the name that you want to call the log file.
Press F1 at any time while using the program for help instruc-tions. To exit the program, simply press the ESC key. The pro-gram will automatically save your data to your specified filename.
Setup/Operation 2-2
Once you have set up the QuickStart training tool, you canbegin training your swimmers and improving their starts andrelay exchanges. Using QuickStart is not difficult, but youshould read through this section to be sure you are taking fulladvantage of its many features.
The QuickStart display is set up to be used as a pace clock dur-ing normal training sessions. Simply turn the display on usingthe ON/OFF switch and the display will begin counting upfrom 00:00 to 59:59. It is programmed to cycle back to 00:00continuously every hour until the display is turned off.
The QuickStart display was designed as a training tool to assistswimmers with their starts, turns and relay exchanges. Tobegin using the display to track either start reaction times, turnspeeds or relay exchanges, you need to have a push button, anelectronic start system, a CTS Relay Judging Platform(RJP)and a CTS touchpad. Plug the push button into the Push Buttonport, the RJP into the Relay Platform port, the start system intothe Start System port and the touchpad into the Touchpad port.Double-click the push button to reset the display.
Note: The reset feature occurs after a one second delay.Double-click the push button and wait one second; Thedisplay will blank out when it is reset.
If you see a “ErrX” (where X is a number 1-4 or a ?) on theQuickStart display at any time, see the Trouble-Shooting por-tion of the manual. You may need to run the test program.
To test a swimmer’s start reaction time, you need theQuickStart display, a push button, CTS RJP and an electronicstart system. Plug in all of these components into theQuickStart display. Turn on QuickStart and double-click thepush button to reset the display. You are now ready to begintraining your swimmers. Use the start system to simulate thebeginning of a race. The display will track the time betweenthe sound of the start system and the time when the swimmerleaves the platform. The elapsed time, to 1/100th second, willbe shown on the display and will remain until the display isreset. The reaction time will also be exported to the PC if oneis connected.
Setup/Operation 2-3
Operation
Pace Clock Option
Training Options
“ErrX” Message
Using the Start Reaction Time Feature
Backstroke start reaction times can be shown as well. To set upthe QuickStart display to track backstroke reation times,unplug the RJP from the QuickStart and plug in the touchpadinto the RJP port. Have the swimmer prepare for their start byplacing their feet on the touchpad in their normal starting posi-tion. Next, reset the display by double-clicking the push but-ton.Note: You must wait until the swimmer is on the touch-pad and ready to start before resetting the display.
Start the swimmer by using the start system. The swimmer’sreaction time will appear on the QuickStart display. Wait untilthe next swimmer is situated on the touchpad before resettingfor the next start. To return to normal mode, plug the touchpadand RJP back into their appropriate ports.
The break-out time is the difference in time between when thestart system sounds and when the swimmer breaks out of thewater. The time is recorded and displayed when the coachpresses the push button after a start or relay exchange. Theelapsed time, to 1/100th second, is shown on the display andwill remain until the display is either toggled back (single-click the push button) to show the reaction time or reset (dou-ble-click the push button). The break-out time is also exportedto the PC if one is connected.
Note: Although unlikely, the break-out time can also bedisplayed while using the relay exchange function. In thiscase, the break-out time is the difference in timebetween when a swimmer hits the touchpad and whenthe next swimmer breaks out of the water.
The relay exchange time is the difference in time betweenwhen a swimmer hits the touchpad and when the next swim-mer takes off from the starting platform. To test relayexchanges, you need the QuickStart display, a push button,CTS RJP and a CTS touchpad.
The elapsed time, to 1/100th second, is shown on the displayand will remain until the display is reset. Negative times indi-cate an early start. The relay exchange time will be exported tothe PC if one is connected.
You can time your swimmers’ breaststroke and butterfly turnspeeds by using the QuickStart display, a push button and atouchpad. Plug the push button and touchpad into their appro-priate ports on the QuickStart display. To initiate the Turn
Setup/Operation 2-4
Using the Relay Exchange Feature
Using the Turn Hand Speed Feature
Backstroke Start Reaction Times
Using the Break-Out Feature
Setup/Operation 2-5
Returning to Relay Exchange or Reaction Time Mode
Speed mode you need to press and hold down the push buttonfor one second then double-click the push button. TheQuickStart display will show “HS” (Hand Speed) when it isproperly in the Turn Speed Mode.
When in the Turn Speed mode, QuickStart captures the timebetween when a swimmer’s hands touch the touchpad andwhen his/her feet make contact for the pushoff. The elapsedtime will be displayed on the QuickStart display and exportedto the PC if connected.
Note: Double-click the push button to prepare QuickStartfor the next breaststroke or butterfly turn. To return to therelay exchange or start reaction modes, you must turnthe display off then back on and double-click the pushbutton.
To return the display to the Pace Clock mode, simply unplugthe RJP, touchpad, start system and push button. Turn off thedisplay, wait a few seconds, then turn the display back on. Itwill begin counting from 00:00 to 59:59 as soon as it is turnedback on.
To start the PC logging software, type QSTART <Filename>from the C:\CTS prompt. Upon startup of the program, a win-dow will pop-up prompting you to select the COM port thatthe QuickStart display is connected to. Move the cursor rightor left to select either COM1 or COM2 then press Enter.
Next, a new window will appear requesting the name or namesof the swimmers you will be testing. Each name can be a max-imum of 20 characters. At this time, you can enter one name iftesting start reaction times or two to four names if testing relayexchange times. You do not have to enter any names however.
Using the PC Logging Software
Figure 2-2 COM Port Screen
Returning to Pace Clock Mode
Press F2 to save the names to your log file and to begin testing.As testing occurs, data will be received from the QuickStartdisplay. Up to twenty-two lines of data can be shown on the PCscreen at any one time.
The software is now ready to receive data from the QuickStartdisplay. Upon startup of the program the following field headerwill be output to the data file:Name
Start Reaction, Relay Exchange, Break-out, Turn Speed
The training data will be output to the log file in a comma-delimited format. For example, if you are testing start reactionand break-out times for a swimmer named Joe Smith, the datawould look like:NameStart Reaction, Relay Exchange, Break-out, Turn SpeedJoe Smith0.54,,4.53,0.67,,5.27,0.38,,3.56,
An example of data collected from testing two swimmers’ relayexchanges is as follows:NameStart Reaction, Relay Exchange, Break-out, Turn SpeedJoe Smith, Tom Wright,0.05,,,-0.12,,,0.27,,
Each time you want to change the swimmer name(s) in the logfile, simply press F3 to return to the name entry screen. Enter
Setup/Operation 2-6
Sample Log Data
Figure 2-3 Name and Log Data Windows
the new names in the name entry window then press F2 to con-tinue testing.
When testing is completed, press ESC to exit the logging pro-gram. The file will automatically be saved to your computer’shard disk in the C:\CTS directory. The data is stored in acomma-delimited file format enabling you to import the datainto your favorite spreadsheet, text or database application.
Setup/Operation 2-7
Setup/Operation 2-8
ReferenceThis chapter describes basic storage and maintenance sugges-tions and provides a trouble-shooting section that outlinesanswers to common product questions concerning the opera-tion of QuickStart.
The QuickStart display was designed to require very littlemaintenance. Its compact design makes it easy to transport andsetup. To protect the QuickStart display from the prolongedeffects of a chlorine environment store the display, push buttonand cables in a cool, dry location.
If the display is left in a damp environment the input plugsmay become corroded and prevent the accessory equipmentfrom making strong contacts. If you are experiencing connec-tion problems simply clean each connector with some Lime-A-Way® Kitchen/Bathroom cleaner and a toothbrush.
QuickStart comes with an AC power adapter. You may useeight D-size alkaline batteries instead. If you are using batter-ies, remove them if you are going to store QuickStart forextended periods of time.
This section outlines some common questions regarding theQuickStart product. If you are experiencing problems or havequestions regarding the setup or operation of QuickStart,please refer to this section before calling CTS CustomerService.
My display shows "----". What does this mean?The display is indicating that it is in the test mode. You cannow test each of the accessory components (RJP, touchpad, ordouble-click the push button to reset the display to normal
Reference 3-1
3
Storage and Maintenance
Trouble-Shooting
Test Program Indicator
operating mode.
What if I want to use QuickStart as a pace clock?Unplug all accessory items including the PC interface, RJP,touchpad, start system and push button. Turn off the display byusing the ON/OFF switch located on the right side of the dis-play. When you want to begin using the pace clock, simplyturn the display back on.
Can I use any touchpad, RJP or start system? The QuickStart product has been tested and works with anytouchpad, start system and RJP manufactured by ColoradoTime Systems. It may or may not work with a non-CTS prod-uct depending on how that equipment receives and exportsinformation.
My QuickStart display is acting funny. The LED digits areblinking.You probably are experiencing problems associated with lowpower. Try plugging the display into a wall outlet using the ACpower adapter or replace the batteries. If the display continuesto perform poorly, make sure all of the connections are cleanand plugged in correctly.
Turn the display off and back on to reset.
How do I show the start reaction time when I'm also usingthe break-out feature?After a start and break-out, QuickStart will display the break-out time until you toggle back to the start reaction time. Totoggle back and forth between the break-out and start reactiontimes simply single-click the push button. Use a double-clickon the push button to reset the display.
My screen shows “Err2.” What does this mean?This can mean one of two things. First, QuickStart may beindicating that you hit the push button too many times and thedisplay was looking for a particular input that did not happen.QuickStart shows an error message when it receives invaliddata. Simply double-click the push button, wait one secondand the display will reset.
The second type of error may indicate that you have a problemwith the second port connection, the Relay Platform. The “2”refers to the problem port. Follow these procedures each timeyou want to test the connections and components of theQuickStart training tool. The test mode program will verify
Reference 3-2
Starting the Pace Clock
Using Non-CTS Equipment
Low Power Problems
Showing Break-out and Start Reaction Times
Running The Test Program
ErrX Messages
that the display and components are attached and working cor-rectly.
Once you have plugged all the components into the displayand have turned on the display, begin the test program bytriple-clicking the push button. A triple-click on the push but-ton will cause the display to enter the test mode. The LED dis-play will indicate that it has begun the test mode by lighting allLED segments for five seconds followed by “----” on the dis-play.
Test the first component, the RJP, by firmly pressing on it andreleasing. The display will show a “CH-2” indicating that input#2 is working properly. Wait until the display clears itself andreads “----” again. Next, test out the remaining components.
If a component is malfunctioning or is not connected properly,the display will show “ErrX” where X is the problem compo-nent or connection. For example, if the touchpad is malfunc-tioning the display will show "Err4" indicating an error in thetouchpad input. Check the connection and touchpad and per-form the test again.
Once all components and connections have been tested you arenow ready to exit the test program and begin using the trainingtool. To exit the test program simply double-click the push but-ton. A double-click on the push button, at any time, will resetthe display to normal operating mode. Turning off the displayand back on will put the display in the Pace Clock mode.
How do I change the batteries?The batteries are located on the bottom of the display. Slide thebottom face plate to the side to access the batteries.
Why does QuickStart flash up a number then display aslower number for the reaction time?The QuickStart display will track all inputs received from theRelay Judging Platform (RJP). However, it will only count thefinal input as valid. You may see times flash on the display if aswimmer rocks forward and back before leaving the RJP.
How do I load the PC software?Insert the PC diskette into your 3.5-inch floppy drive. Changedirectories to C:\. If using Microsoft Windows, open a DOSsession and change directories until you are in your C:\ direc-tory.
Reference 3-3
Exiting the Test Program
Changing the Batteries
Loading the PC Software
Multiple Inputs Shown on the Display
From the C:\ directory, type A:install or B:install. The installa-tion software will create a new C:\CTS directory and install theQuickStart software. From the new C:\CTS directory, typeQSTART <Filename> to launch the program.
